Botanist's Glossary

Myrtle - Myrtus communis

Myrtle (Myrtaceae family) is an evergreen, aromatic bushy shrub with small, ovate, pointed leaves in opposite pairs. It is a plant that is characteristic of the Mediterranean scrubland. In June, it produces beautiful white flowers, which attract pollen-feeding insects. The fruit is a small blue-black berry and an ancient herb. When steeped in wine, the result is "myrtle wine" - a beverage well known by the Romans and still popular today in Corsica.

Myrtle, a plant of Aphrodite, has an important place in the myths of the ancient Mediterranean world. It was said to bring love and represent passion. It accompanied the blessed on their journey to the underworld. "Myrtle is the accomplice of happy lovers a symbol of their carefree happiness." (P. Lieutaghi).